ENTERTAINMENTS: STAGE, PICTURES, MUSIC

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12264, 9 October 1925, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS: STAGE, PICTURES, MUSIC

GRAND OPERA HOUSE SCREEN STAR’S SUCCESS IN “SPRING CLEANING.” Another crowded house greeted the two idols of tho scieen at the Grand Opera House last evening, when Miss Pauline Frederick and Miss June Elvidge in real life continued their successful run of that 'most thrilling and somewhat startling play “Spring Cleaning.” The play is founded on the not unusual theme of the husband who neglects his wife only to be surprised and angry when he discovers that she is seeking consolation trom his apparent indifference, in the acceptance of tho advances of another man. Richard Sones (Ms.yne Lynton) is a novelist, who is so immersed in his work that he overlooks the fact that having got an attractive wife he has also to keep her. The wife (Miss Pauline Frederick) gradually drifts in with n fast Bohemian crowd, and in the first scene appears with the third partv in the eternal triangle in the form of a most engaging villain, Ernest Steel (George Barraud), who has, with already evident success, set out to supplant the husband. There drifts in on the tete-a-tete, Fay Colleen, Lady Suzanne Walton, Archie Wells, Bobbie Williams, Billie Somers, and Gonnie Gillies, cocktail drinking, frankly disrespectful of the restraints of conventional morality. and determined above all things to have a good time. Under the influence of such friends the wife is rapidly accepting a false standard, and refuses to recognise the necessity of the warnings which her husband sounds persistently. He decides on action which will end the matter one way or another: something dramatic which will . either shock his wife into instant recognition of her position, or else end everything between them. _ Recognising all that he has to lose if unsuccessful, he takes the risk for his wife’s sake, and when she has , her usual crowd of fast friends to dinner that evening lie also brings a friend. Mona (June Elvidge), a girl _ off the streets, as a guest. There is a big show-down with a dramatic anticlimax. in which Miss Frederick and Miss Elvidge share the triumph of admirably sustained parts. The former • possesses a charming: stage personality, an arresting voice, real dramatic power in the more tense moments of the play, and a fine appreciation of the light and shade of emotion, while Miss Elvidge .carries through a most difficult part with the entire sympathy of her audience. The other characters are thoroughly convincing. Mayne Lvnton assuming the role of the husband, while ample comic relief is provided to offset the l dramatic action. “Spring Cleaning is daring in a degree, but there is * moral permeating the theme, and the success of the Wellington season is assured. Four nights remain of the present run. «ING 7 S THEATRE WESTERN DRAMA BY ZANE GREY Lovers of Western [drama should not miss the screen presentation of Aane Grey’s famous story Code of tne West.” which commences a season at the King’s Theatre this evening with a special matinee on Saturday at z.dU p.m. . , It is not a . period production, but an absorbing story of to(jay_ all up-to-date romance of a frivolous flapper and' a rugged cowboy, in which the viewpoint of the East, as typified by its jazz palaces, fast seta and betting parties is contrasted with that of the West, with its wholesomeness, simplicity, and straightforward attitude towards life and love. One of the outstanding features of this photoplay is its strong vein of comedy. The cast is one of the strongest ever assembled for any motion picture. In the leading roles are Owen Moore, Constance Bennett, Mabel Ballin, Charles Ogle, and David Butler. A splendid supporting programme has been arranged, and a musical score of exceptional merit will be rendered) by the King’s Select Orchestra, under the baton of Mr A. H. Jerome. The box plans are at the Bristol, or ring the theatre. ARTCRAFfTHEATRE ' PAULINE FREDERICK IN “SAI>VAGE” TO-NIGHT. Commencing to-night—for a threenights’ season only, with special' matinee to-morrow afternoon at 2.15 x that idol of the screen (who is now creating such a furore of excitement in Wellington), .Pauline Frederick, will be seen in the Robertson-Cole superspecial entitled “Salvage.” It is ' a powerful story of mother-love that cannot fail to appeal to all ■ lovers of good drama. How the motherlove in one heart was satisfied —how she came through sorrow to joy; and how the other mother, the unfeeling one, worked out her fate, makes as absorbing a story as lias been seen on the screen for a very long time past. Miss Frederick portrays tlie roles of the two mothers in a highly convincing manner. Supporting her is an all-star cast, including Milton Sills, Raymond Hatton, and pretty little Helen Stone, Ralph Lewis, Hobart Kelly, and Roso Cade—truly an imposing cast. Several other pictures of an interesting, educational, and amusing nature are included, which, together with the excellent and appropriate musical accompaniment by the now famous musician, James Haydoek, completes a delightful evening’s entertainment. As packed houses are bound to ensue, we cannot advise too strongly the booking of seats at tbe Bristol, where plans fdr all threenights will be found. In addition to other musical numbers, James Haydoek will play a special enter’acte. “Transcription of Alice” by the well-known composer, Ascher. queen’Ttheatre A DAZZLING PHOTOPLAY : “ONE NIGHT IN ROME.” Laurette Taylor, internationallyfamed by reason of her brilliant characterisation in “Peg o’ My Heart,” returns to captivate her audiences once more in “One Night in Rome,” which will lietfd the programme at the Queen’s Theatre_this evening. In this photoplay her winsome and vivacious personality is seen to better advantage tlian in any of her previous efforts. Like her two former pictures, the latest screen play- is a screen version of one of her stage successes, and she has essayed' successfully a vivid dramatic role. She gives the part of L’Enigma warmth and colour that makes it' one of the most convincing portrayals seen Here this year. The clear-cut. fast-moving storv is a credit to the director, Clarence Badger, who lias solved the problem of telling a mystery romance in such a fascinating manner as to hold one’s undivided attention throughout. An cxf-clUnt snonorting feature is also included, as is a pleasing musical programme.

HIS MAJESTY’S A SPLENDID - PROGRAMME. A splendid programme of vaudeville items and a revue are being presented this week at His Majesty’s, and the 'large audience present last evening showed their appreciation in no uncertain manner. “1914-1918. or For the Duration” is Jim Gerald and his talented company’s latest revue, and has an essentially military atmosphere as it concerns the recruiting tribulations of one Private Muggins, Jim Gerald, whose first days in the army under the stentorian commands of the ser-geant-major and the batterings of the cook “Greasy,” reminded him so much of home and mother that he just has*to sing about it. There were other characters, too, including some exceptionally pretty and graceful nurses, and with things rolling merrily along at camp, then at sea. and finally in the trenches, the audience are given nn idea of just how joyful n soldier’s life could be. The scenic effects are exceptionally fine, particularly in the last act. in which the soldiers are depicted in the trenches with shells bursting all roiind, and flashes'of light illuminating the scene. In the vaudeville, Bradley’s Monkey Hipnodrome are very clever and humorous. and from the little baby to the old father ape. the tronne are sent through some amazingly difficult tricks, each of which is accomplished with no effort whatever. Reno and Arta, billed as Australia’s premier xvlophonists. unhold the reputation which had preceded them, and the manner in which they wield the tiny hammers in popular airs proves their ability as accomplished musicians. Tvnjral vaudeville artists are June Mills, the world’s fattest flapper, and William Times, an eminent basso. This programme will be submitted 1 tonight and to-morrow night, and at a special matinee on Saturday afternoon. EMPRESS THEATRE A GREAT ENTERTAINMENT. Two splendid features commence at the Empress Theatre to-day, “Into the Net” and “Occasionally Yours.” The first feature, “Into the Net,” was written by Commissioner Richard E. Enwright, of the New York City Police, and he has taken for his theme the operations of a gang of kidnappers in New York. The stray is taken from tlie pages of the commissioner’s note-book, and he personally supervised the making of the picture. One sees the police, with fingerprints only to go by at first, going through their wonderful methods of rounding up this gang which comes about in a mighty climax. The stars are Jack Mulhall and Edna Murphy. Tlie second feature, “Occasionally Yours,” is a satirical comedy scream on pre-sent-day society, and has a remarkably strong cast, which includes Lew Cody. Betty Blythe, Elinor Fair. Lloyd Hamilton, J. Barney Sherry. This is Mr Cody’s third starring vehicle for Robertson-Cole and presents him in a role equally as interesting as tho characters he portrayed in “The Beloved Cheater,” and “The Butterfly Man.” The story of the picture is one of romance, yet full of realism, and entertains while it instructs. It is the type of screen play that will linger long in the memory. The supporting pictures include an Our Gang comedy entitled “The Buccaneers,” said to be a particularly good laughter picture. THEATRE DE LUXE A MYSTERY DRAMA. Even more thrilling than the book is the film version of “Raffles,” by E. W. Hornung, which commences this evening at the De Luxe. The. baffling adventures of Raffles, gentleman crook, will thrill, delight, and mystify. The fast, lieht-ning-like action of Raffles in evading his pursuers, and emerging free from hair raising situations he gets into holds the. audience, breathless. Secret panels, sliding doors, concealed, closets, vanishing pearls, everything running around in such kaleidoscopic rapidity that patrons will never guess the ending. House Peters plays the part of Raffles, and is associated with a capable cast of favourites —Miss Dupont, Hedda Hopper. Frederick Esmelton. Walter Long, Winter Hall, Kate Lester, Freeman Wood, and others. The supporting programme will also he an exceptional one, including a musical programme of great beauty to he played by the Orchestra De Luxe. A big matinee will be held on Saturday at 2.30. The box plans are now open at the Bristol Piano 00., Aitken’s Book Arcade, or ring theatre, ’phone 23-080. “THE SHEPHERD KING” GREAT PICTORIAL ATTRACTION. The Biblical splendour of Israel when David was rulor, and the romance of tho man who slew Goliath and spared those wlio would be liis enemies, combine in one of the sweetest love stories ever told in the production of “Tho Shepherd King,” the great "historical production which commences its screening at the De Luxe Theatre on Friday next, October 16tli. As a film it is said to rival in its splendour, spectacle, and power, the greatest screen classics, such as “Intolerance” and “The Ten Commandments.” It pic'fttres the splendour of the Pyramids, the inscrutability of the Sphinx, and the lovely beauty of the Egyptian desert. The pomp and gleaming pageantry of the Court of King Saul, with the most romnntic storv of the ages, are also revealed in this sumptuous production. It is a page of history, colourful and soul-stirring, depicting vividlv how the most heroic figure of Biblical times, David the Shepherd, led an entire race of people out of bondage into the promised land. David is played by Nerio Bernadi a distinguished Italian actor, and the role of Princess Michal is plaved by Violet Mersereau. Tlie great * battle scenes were re-staged on the actual locations where the Israelites and Philistines battled for supremaev 3000 years ago.

‘A special prologue arranged hv Madame Josephine Ottlee will precede the screening. A special musical programme has. also been arranged by Mr U., D. Austin for the Orchestra De i.uxc. The box plans arc now open at the Bristol Piano Company, Aitken’s Book Arcade, or ring theatre, ’phono 23-080.

STRAND THEATRE

THREE FEATURES. The programme commencing at the Strand to-day can be rightly termed ono of quality and quantity, 'fhere will he three distinct features, “A Front Page Story,” “The Woman Under Oath,” and Charlie Chaplin in “One a.m.” i “A Front Page Story” is a regular j slice of life —a slice of small city poli- : tics which revolve around the glass top desk of tile Mayor and the swivel chair : of the editor of the local paper. You all recognise this bit of enmity which puts colour in our smaller communities, and Jess Robbins, the director of this picture has brought forth all its vitality—all its humanities and realism. The comedy note is dominant because it is introduced by Edward Horton, a comedian with a sure grasp upon the qualities which create humour. He plays in a deadly serious manner the part of a lackadaisical youth determined to get a job. He rides into the town at the wheel of a flivver and puts an “ad.” in the local paper. There is some deft comedy introduced with the car—which is not of the slapstick brand • —eyen though the car is always a good prop for hokum. And by using his head and taking advantage of opportunity when it knocks he eases himself into a partnership with the editor. The rest of the story has to do with patching up the feud between his elder partner •and the Mayor—and be does this by shper bluff. The front page story is nothing but a screaming scarehead announcing that the Mayor will be exposed. It precipitates a deal of anxiety for all concerned —even for the partner whose ideas of journalism follow the orthodox channels. The old man's daughter is a handy girl about the office. And aside from acting as a foil here and there it is her object to carry thq. romance. The second feature, “The Woman Under Oath,” is a Selznick releaso with Florence Reed, Gareth Hughes, David Powell, and ,Mav McAvoy. The story is one that is bound to please, and the settings and photography are first-class. In the third feature Charlie Chaplin is seen in one of his most famous comedies, “One a.m.”

“THE HURRY-UP BRIDE”

MUSICAL COMEDY COMING TO OPERA HOUSE.

A musical comedy which is not a revue. A novel plot with a beginning and an end. Such is “The Hurry-up Bride,” to he presented at the Grand Opera House on Saturday and Monday, October 17th and I9th. A refreshing feature will be the entirely new songs which have not been published ahead of the play as so often happens for New Zealand.

Every solo and concerted number is accompanied by an appropriate chorus setting and lavishly frocked ballet. A special quintette of Hawaiian instruments is used in one scene, while other scenes and songs faithfully depict national characteristics—Spanish, Irish, English, American, and Chinese.